4 Best Aluminum Gutter Guards (2024 Homeowner’s Guide)
In this guide on aluminum gutter guards, you’ll learn:
- What are the best aluminum gutter guards available?
- Why choose aluminum gutter guards?
- How to choose the right aluminum gutter guard for you?
- Is there warranty coverage on these gutter guards?
If you are unsure about installing aluminum gutter guards on your home, this guide will ensure that you have enough information to make the right gutter guard decision. Enter your zip code below to receive a personalized quote on gutter guard option near you.
Maintaining clean gutters is essential to ensuring that they function properly. Leaves, sticks, roof shingle grit and other small and large debris can build up in your gutters, eventually causing blockages that can lead to leaks, ice dams and a damaged home. Gutter guards are a great solution that will help maintain properly functioning gutters and reduce how often you need to have them cleaned.
When it comes to the type of gutter guards, many homeowners choose aluminum ones. They’re durable, resist corrosion and can stand up to extreme weather and the weight of heavy debris. In this guide, we’ll discuss the top brands of aluminum gutter guards, how to choose the best ones for your needs and more.
Our Top Aluminum Gutter Guards
There are countless brands and companies that offer aluminum gutter covers, so choosing the right one to meet your expectations and keep your home safe can be a challenge. We’ve done most of the hard work for you by evaluating gutter guard companies — based on price, availability, durability, warranty and, of course, eco-friendliness and sustainability — and providing in-depth analyses for them.
Our reviews below should help you choose the best company for your home. Our top companies include:
- MasterShield Gutter Protection
- HomeCraft Gutter Protection
- All American Gutter Protection
- Klean Gutter
Aluminum Gutter Guard Comparison
Brand | Our Take | Avg Cost Per Linear Foot | Service Area | Notable Features |
MasterShield Gutter Protection | Most Eco-Friendly Materials | $17 (material only) $20 (including installation) |
Contact company to see if available in your area |
Durable metal frames, many years of experience, lifetime warranty |
HomeCraft Gutter Protection | Most Versatile Design | $4.50-$7.75 | 12 States | Great customer service, marine-grade metal materials, lifetime warranty |
All American Gutter Protection | Most Customizable | $15-$20 | 13 States | Lifetime warranty, numerous design options, recyclable metal materials |
Klean Gutter | Best for Cold Climates | Varies | 50 States | Long-lasting metal materials, 25-year warranty, option for heated cable for cold climates |
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
MasterShield
Get a free estimate today!
Average cost
Pros
- Made from sustainable and/or recycled materials
- Materials are recyclable
- Lifetime and/or comprehensive warranty
- Lots of color and design options
- Has green initiatives
Cons
- Expensive products or installation fees
- Reports of clogging
- Made of non-recyclable materials
- Not DIY-friendly
HomeCraft
New customers save 30%.
Average cost
Pros
- Offers pitched/diamond designs for better flow
Cons
- No stated commitment to bettering the environment
- Some negative online reviews
- Limited availability
All American
Average cost
Pros
- Materials are recyclable
- Lifetime and/or comprehensive warranty
- Lots of color and design options
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Not DIY-friendly
- No stated commitment to bettering the environment
- Limited availability
Klean Gutter
Average cost
Pros
- Easy DIY options available
- Lifetime and/or comprehensive warranty
- Offers pitched/diamond designs for better flow
Cons
- No stated commitment to bettering the environment
- Few color/design options to choose from
MasterShield Gutter Protection
MasterShield Gutter Protection was founded by Alex Higginbotham, who holds the original patent for the micro mesh gutter guard as well as multiple other patents for related technologies. The company has been in the gutter guard industry since 2009, so it has over a decade of experience installing gutter guards and providing outstanding customer service.
MasterShield uses durable aluminum frames and a stainless steel micro mesh gutter guard for an overall durable and reliable product that won’t warp or fail over time. The company is so confident in its products that it backs them with a lifetime warranty and a promise to pay insurance deductibles if your gutter guards fail and cause damage to your home.
MasterShield is also one of the few gutter guard companies that make a significant effort to minimize its carbon footprint and remain as green as possible. The aluminum frames are made from 95% recycled material, and the company is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council.
Pros & Cons
+ Founded by original patent holder for micro mesh technology
+ Strong aluminum frames and durable steel mesh
+ Lifetime warranty
+ Products are made mostly from recycled material
– Not suitable for DIY installation
Key Features
MasterShield’s gutter guard frames are made from recycled aluminum that is corrosion resistant and will stand up to the elements for many years to come. The mesh is made from partially recycled stainless steel that allows water to flow freely but stops virtually all debris from clogging your gutters.
Who It’s Best For
MasterShield is our top pick for homeowners who want to support a company that makes every possible effort to stay green. It’s also an excellent option if you’re looking for maximum durability and a warranty that covers your gutter guards for life.
HomeCraft Gutter Protection: Most Versatile Design
HomeCraft Gutter Protection has almost 15 years of experience in the gutter guard industry, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for a well-established company. It maintains a B rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and while there are some scattered negative reviews about the installation process, most of the customer reviews are positive and comment on the longevity of the gutter guard systems.
The frames for these gutter guards are made out of powder-coated aluminum, and the wire mesh is 304 marine-grade stainless steel. These guards are highly durable and will likely last for decades.
The company stands behind its products with a lifetime warranty, which is transferable to the next owner of your home — so these gutter guards help increase the value of your property as well as protect it.
Unfortunately, HomeCraft doesn’t make any notable efforts to stay green and reduce its pollution or contribution to global warming, so it ranks a bit lower than MasterShield. It does, however, have the benefit of fitting most gutter types and sizes.
Pros & Cons
+ Nearly 15 years of experience
+ Lifetime transferable warranty
+ Made of highly durable materials
+ Mostly positive customer reviews
– No clear effort to remain green
Key Features
The 304 marine-grade steel mesh used for these gutter guards and the powder-coated aluminum frame are sure to last for many, many years. The company uses a patented diamond pattern on the screens to help shed debris from your gutter guards and maintain the flow of water into your gutters.
Who It’s Best For
HomeCraft is a great option for homeowners who want highly durable gutter guards that will last for decades as well as a bump in home value. The lifetime transferable warranty will likely be enticing to just about any buyer when you go to sell your home, so you can expect added value and maximum protection for your gutters.
All American Gutter Protection: Most Customizable
All American Gutter Protection is best known in the gutter guard industry for offering many different design options.
You can choose from numerous colors, sizes and shapes, so it’s easy to match your gutter guards to your gutters, even if you have unusual colors or styles — like six-inch gutters or round gutters. Most homeowners will be able to find an option from All American that works for them.
The company uses aluminum frames and stainless steel mesh in its products, all of which are recyclable. However, there is little else done by All American to benefit the environment.
If you choose this company, you’ll get a lifetime warranty, plus a promise from the company that it will fix any damaged or malfunctioning components of your gutter protection system at no charge. All American also sets itself apart by maintaining affordable prices and offering discounts for online sales, military personnel and seniors.
Pros & Cons
+ Affordable
+ Durable aluminum and steel components
+ Lifetime warranty with free service for damage
+ Many color, size and shape options for customization
– Only suitable for professional installations
– Minimal sustainability
Key Features
All American uses high-quality aluminum and steel to construct its products. Since they’re backed by a lifetime warranty, you can trust that these gutter guards will last for many years. These guards also come in different colors, shapes and sizes, so most homeowners will be able to find the perfect setup for new or existing gutters.
Who It’s Best For
All American’s gutter guards are ideal for homeowners who have unique gutter guard needs like color and style. This company has many different customization options, so its products can match just about any exterior aesthetic you might be envisioning.
Klean Gutter: Best for Cold Climates
Klean Gutter uses all-metal components in its gutter guards, including surgical-grade stainless steel for the mesh and high-quality aluminum for the frames. It also provides the option to add a heated cable, which can help prevent snow and ice buildup in colder climates.
This company is relatively affordable as well, so there is a ton of value provided for the money. Klean Gutter backs its products with a 25-year warranty, which isn’t quite as good as the lifetime coverage offered by many competitors, but it’s still a great option.
Klean Gutter has been around since 2009, and it has maintained mostly positive customer reviews in its 10+ years of business.
The company has great customer service, and the prices are reasonable compared to competitors. The guards feature a seam running down their length parallel to the edge of the gutter to help minimize loss of water over the gutter sides.
Pros & Cons
+ Founded by original patent holder for micro mesh technology
+ Long-lasting, durable metal materials
+ Many years of experience
+ Heated cable available for cold climates
– Not much customization available
– No obvious commitment to sustainability
Key Features
Klean Gutter uses surgical-grade steel for its protective mesh and durable aluminum for its gutter guard frames. The result is a long-lasting gutter protection system that is guaranteed to function properly for 25 years.
Who It’s Best For
Klean Gutter is ideal for customers who live in cold climates, as the company specializes in heated gutter cables to prevent ice and icicles from weighing down and clogging your gutters and downspouts.
What Makes Aluminum Gutter Guards Different?
There are six different types of gutter guards: foam gutter guards, brush gutter guards (with bristles), reverse-curve gutter guards (surface tension gutter guards), screen gutter guards, mesh gutter guards, and micro mesh gutter guards.
Reverse-curve, screen, mesh and micro mesh gutter guards all have frames that support the main filtering material, which is usually a stainless steel mesh. The frame is typically made out of aluminum or PVC (in the case of plastic gutter guards).
“Aluminum gutter guard” refers to a gutter guard made with an aluminum frame. Aluminum is more durable than PVC since it’s more rigid and resists corrosion and rusting.
Most importantly, aluminum won’t warp over time when exposed to changes in temperature and UV rays from the sun, but PVC can. When the frames of your gutter guards warp, the filtering material can pop out and leave your gutters unprotected.
Aluminum gutter guards are generally considered a superior product to PVC guards, although there are a few exceptions. High-quality aluminum can last for decades without any issues, and it can stand up well to extreme weather like strong winds, heavy rain, hurricanes, tropical storms and more.
Tips for Buying Aluminum Gutter Guards
Aluminum gutter guards are often a worthwhile investment, but they are somewhat expensive. You’ll want to be sure you choose the right ones for your home and your climate. Below, we’ll discuss the factors you should consider when choosing aluminum gutter guards.
Quality Material
As with any part of your home that will be exposed to the elements, the quality of the materials is crucial.
Choosing gutter guards with aluminum frames is a good start, but you can also choose the enhancement of powder-coated aluminum frames. Powder-coating is designed to reduce the reactivity of the metal, so you’ll get even more protection from rusting and harmful UV rays.1
In addition to the frame material, you should consider what is used to make the mesh that helps prevent debris buildup. Stainless steel with small holes in the top is the most popular option, and choosing a surgical-grade or marine-grade steel will tend to provide better longevity.
Cost
The cost of your gutter guards will always be an important factor, and it can sometimes be a limiting one if a particular brand doesn’t fit into your budget. Many of the best gutter guard companies have similar pricing, but different companies can range from as little as $4 per linear foot to as much as $20 per linear foot.
We recommend choosing the highest-quality materials possible that fit into your budget, as well as opting for a professional installation if you can afford it. Having an expert install your gutter guards will always be more costly than a DIY installation, but you’ll often get a better warranty and guarantee that your gutter guard system functions properly.
Installation Process
Some homeowners opt for a DIY gutter guard installation, while others prefer to leave the work to experienced professionals. You can always purchase products like Gutterglove or Amerimax Home Products Lock-in Gutter Guards from Amazon or Home Depot and complete the easy installation yourself.
However, we typically suggest hiring a professional to ensure you get high-quality gutter guards and that your gutter protection will work as intended. Ultimately, the choice is up to you, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each before deciding.
A DIY installation is more affordable and can leave you with a sense of accomplishment. However, a professional installation usually comes with a lengthier warranty, saves you time and minimizes the risk of an issue with how your gutter guards are set up.
Curb Appeal
If you’re choosing a reverse-curve, screen, mesh or micro mesh gutter guard, chances are you’ll be able to see the leaf guards from the ground, as they’re installed at the same angle as your roof just under the fascia. This being the case, your gutter guards will change the appearance of your home, which is important to consider before you commit.
Some companies like All American Gutter Protection offer multiple colors, sizes and shapes, so you can customize the appearance of your guards. This helps you match with existing gutters or exterior home colors for a more cohesive look.
Warranty Coverage
Finally, you should consider the warranty coverage offered with your gutter guards. Many of the best aluminum gutter guard systems come with a lifetime warranty, and some companies even offer to pay insurance deductibles or replace damaged parts for free for as long as your gutter guards are under warranty.
Gutter guard systems are somewhat expensive and are regularly exposed to harsh conditions, so a warranty can help provide peace of mind and protection for your investment.
Our Final Take: Best Aluminum Gutter Guards
Gutter guards are an excellent way to protect your gutters from clogs and blockages, maintain proper water flow and avoid leaks and property damage caused by malfunctioning gutters.
Choosing a gutter guard with an aluminum frame will ensure maximum durability while still keeping the overall cost and the weight of your gutters to a minimum. Given their durability, many aluminum gutter guards include a lifetime warranty, so choosing aluminum will also provide peace of mind that your investment is protected.
Our top pick for aluminum gutter guards is MasterShield Gutter Protection. This company is relatively affordable, includes a lifetime warranty and a promise to pay insurance deductibles for gutter-related damages and uses mostly recycled materials to minimize its negative impact on the environment.
Our Aluminum Gutter Guard Company Ranking & Review Methodology
Gutter guard systems are a crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to protecting your home from leaking and damages caused by improper handling of drainage. Since these systems have such a major impact on your home, our panel of experts spends a lot of time reviewing gutter guard companies to choose the best of the best to recommend to you.
Our process begins by looking at the price, durability, warranty and overall quality offered by each gutter guard company. For this guide, in particular, we ruled out all companies — like LeafFilter, one of our favorites — that don’t use aluminum frames. We then assessed each remaining company for sustainability, commitment to quality, customer service, customer reviews and BBB ratings.
What we’re left with is a list of only the best gutter guard companies that offer aluminum frames and heavy-duty materials, like mesh, fasteners and hangers. We did one final assessment to compare these companies and create our list of the best companies for homeowners looking for aluminum gutter guards.
FAQ: Aluminum Gutter Guards
Below are some of the most common questions we get about aluminum gutter guards and how they function.
Yes, absolutely! Aluminum is a lightweight and durable material that won’t warp, fade, rust or corrode, even when exposed to the elements.
When you choose aluminum gutter guards, you’re getting a product that is often guaranteed to last for life. Couple those aluminum frames with a durable stainless steel mesh, and you have a long-lasting gutter guard that will keep debris of all sizes out of your gutters and minimize how often you need gutter cleaning services.
Even the best aluminum gutter guards will need cleaning at least once a year to keep the mesh clear of small debris — like pollen and pine needles — and ensure anything that does make its way into your gutters is cleared out routinely.
All of the aluminum gutter guards mentioned above should reduce the need for cleaning to one to two times per year.
Usually not! Most aluminum gutter guards are made to fit standard size gutters — like five-inch gutters — and standard shapes and styles like K-style gutters. In most cases, new gutter guards can be added to your existing gutters for maximum protection.
If you have unusual gutter shapes or sizes, you can often still get gutter guards to match by choosing a company like HomeCraft or All American, both of which offer customization and versatile gutter guard options that will suit most existing rain gutter systems.
Aluminum is a highly durable material that won’t warp or bend over time, even when exposed to the elements. Most aluminum gutter guards will last for many decades without needing to be replaced. In fact, the majority of the gutter guards we reviewed above come with a lifetime warranty.
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Compare Gutter Installers
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- Made from sustainable and/or recycled materials
- Materials are recyclable
- Lifetime and/or comprehensive warranty
- Lots of color and design options
- Has green initiatives
- Expensive products or installation fees
- Reports of clogging
- Made of non-recyclable materials
- Not DIY-friendly